Matthew
,
9

Matthew is an energetic nine-year-old from Austin who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at nine months of age. He enjoys an active lifestyle and tells his mother, “Mom, I love life!”

Matthew is passionate about sports and spending quality time with his family and friends. He’s played just about everything: soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, and golf! Matthew is actually encouraged to do a lot of exercise and sports to keep his lungs strong.

Make-A-Wish and Top Golf partnered together to give Matthew a playhouse and putting green any kid would dream of so he doesn’t have to go far to stay active. This wish brings Matthew joy because it allows him to lead a regular childhood having sleepovers with his buddies and playing in the house! Top Golf sponsored the wish and hosted Matthew, along with his family and friends, for a party leading up to the wish in August. “He’s got such an awesome spirit that you would never know that he’s suffering from a disease,” Brandon Gabay, Marketing Manager at Top Golf Austin said.

“I want Matthew to know that he’s special, not because he has CF, but because he’s an amazing kid who’s so deserving of getting this wish.”

CF is a respiratory disease where the body doesn’t process salt properly, making it difficult to breathe. Since his diagnosis, Matthew has done daily treatments on a nebulizer and vest to keep his lungs clear. Matthew’s mother Holly, said, “My husband Charlie and I struggle, but Matthew really doesn’t.” She said they are constantly amazed at his good attitude, and says that Matthew never complains, but instead is incredibly brave and faces it all like a real trooper. “I want Matthew to know that he’s special, not because he has CF, but because he’s an amazing kid who’s so deserving of getting this wish,” Holly said.

When asked how Matthew’s wish experience affected the family, Matthew’s father Charlie, said, “Make-A-Wish made a very special experience. They really listened to the things that were interesting to him—we couldn’t be happier.” Holly adds, “It also reinforces our morale. It’s nice to know we are not alone. It is good to get support. It balances out all of the time and stress that has gone into dealing with cystic fibrosis in everyday life.”

“Thank you very much to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for making my wish come true, for my family and friends and Top Golf. Thank you for everything!” –Matthew, Wish Kid